Sequenced guiding systems for vehicles and pedestrians

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems and methods wherein sequential signals are emitted from a plurality of signaling modules positioned in an array which demarcates a route or boundaries to be followed by a pedestrian or vehicle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/774,029 filed Feb. 22, 2013, which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/440,930 filed Apr. 5, 2012, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/381,565 filedMar. 14, 2009 and issued on Apr. 10, 2012 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,154,424,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/069,473 filed Mar. 15, 2008, the entire disclosure of each suchapplication being expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to devices and methods for vehicularand pedestrian traffic control to aid in navigation on land, sea, andair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flashing orange traffic safety lamps are commonplace along highways andwaterways. Passive cones are often used to mark the boundaries or edgesof roadways. They are used during road construction, traffic detours,and for emergency to route traffic through unfamiliar redirection. Thesepassive cones are typically used over an entire 24-hour period, whichincludes darkness and may include poor visibility. Always on, orblinking, lights or reflectors are often used to define the border of aroad that has temporarily changed and no longer follows the path thatdrivers expect or have become use to seeing. As shown in FIG. 1, whenthe detour includes a curve, the flashing light can be seen across thecurve, creating confusion and disorientation. Curved roads or pathwayscan cause more confusion than straight roads or pathways due to humaninability to judge distances, especially at night. The size of thelights or markers may not appear to substantially change in size withincreasing distance from the observer. In addition, nautical buoys usedto guide vessels into harbors or around dangerous shallows can sometimesbe confusing and difficult to interpret.

Current alternatives do not exist. Traffic is often controlled usinglarge, trailer-like signs with electric generators or photocells thatare towed behind a vehicle and left at the detour site. These signscreate a large arrow that directs traffic, but the arrow does not guidethe driver around a curve or through unfamiliar road courses. Similarly,nautical traffic entering a harbor is guided via buoys and shore-basedlights, which when set upon the backdrop of terrestrial lighting, can beconfusing. Similarly, emergency or temporary aircraft runways formilitary, civilian, police, and Coast Guard air equipment, both fixedwing and rotary wing, lack proper sequenced lights that designatedirection and location of the runway. This invention provides a systemthat is both low in cost and easy to implement, one that can be deployedquickly when necessary to aid aviators when landing or taking off onopen fields or highways.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides devices, systems and methods whereinsequential signal emitting devices (e.g., an array of lights which flashin a sequence from the first light to the last light in the array) areused for guiding pedestrians or vehicles along desired routes or withindesired boundaries.

In accordance with one presently-claimed embodiment of the invention,there is provided a system and method for marking a route, path orboundary, comprising: a plurality of signaling modules, each modulecomprising a signaling device, a radiofrequency apparatus and a controlcircuitry; the modules being positionable in an array which marks aroute, path or boundary; whereby the modules positioned in the arraywill undergo radiofrequency communication with one another and thecontrol circuitry will cause the signaling devices of the modules toemit signals in sequence from a first-positioned module of the array toa last-positioned module of the array; and wherein the modules areprogrammed to self detect their sequential order in the array and toself-adapt to changes in the positional order of the modules,elimination of one or more modules within the array and insertion of oneor more additional modules within the array, thereby maintaining theemitting of signals in sequence from a first-positioned module of thearray to a last-positioned module of the array.

In accordance with another presently-claimed embodiment of theinvention, there is provided a system and method for guiding apedestrian or vehicle to one of a number of possible destinations withina particular geographic area, building, campus, structure or the like,by the following steps: A) obtaining or providing a system whichcomprises a plurality of modules, each module comprising a signalingdevice, a radiofrequency apparatus and control circuitry, wherein themodules are positionable in an array which marks a route, and whereinthe control circuits of the modules are operative to communicate withone another on a particular route via the radiofrequency apparatus andto cause the signaling devices of the modules to emit guidance signalsin sequence from a first module of the array to a last module of thearray; B) positioning modules of the system along routes to a pluralityof possible destinations; C) programming a transmitter for a selectedone of the possible destinations, thereby causing the transmitter totransmit control signals which selectively trigger the modules locatedon the particular route to emit sequential guidance signals to theselected destination; and, D) causing the transmitter to be carried bythe pedestrian or vehicle so that the pedestrian or vehicle may followthe sequential guidance signals to the selected destination. In someembodiments, the signaling modules may be embedded in or adhered tosurface(s) traveled upon by the pedestrian or vehicle, such as road(s),driveway(s), taxiway(s), floor(s), sidewalk(s) and walkway(s). In otherembodiments, the signaling modules may be positioned on structures whichdemarcate routes to desired locations, such as buoy(s), channelmarker(s), fence(s), wall(s), delineator(s) and traffic channelizingdevice(s). Also, in some embodiments, the guidance signals emitted bymodules on one route may be distinguishable (e.g., a different color)from guidance signals emitted by modules on another route. Also, in someembodiments, guidance signals emitted by modules in response to onetransmitter may be distinguishable (e.g., a different color) fromguidance signals emitted from modules in response to anothertransmitter.

In accordance with yet another presently-claimed embodiment of theinvention, there is provided a system and method for guiding pedestriansor vehicles along an intended path of travel having at least first andsecond boundaries, by the steps of: A) obtaining a plurality of signalemitting modules which undergo radiofrequency communication with oneanother and which include control circuitry which causes the modules toemit signals in sequence from a first-positioned module of the array toa last-positioned module of the array; B) positioning a first array ofsignal emitting modules in sequence along a first boundary of theintended path of travel; C) positioning a second array of signalemitting modules in sequence along a second boundary of the intendedpath of travel and D) programming the control circuitry so as to pairmodules in the first array with adjacently positioned modules in thesecond array such that each pair of modules will emit signals in unison,whereby the pairs of modules emit signals in unison and in sequentialorder from the first pair to the last pair.

For the purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects,advantages and novel features of the invention are described herein. Itis to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention.Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that theinvention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oneadvantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarilyachieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. Theseand other objects and advantages of the present invention will be moreapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A general architecture that implements the various features of theinvention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Thedrawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrateembodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of theinvention. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used toindicate correspondence between referenced elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a road with an approaching vehicle and a plurality oftypical randomly flashing lights, which are currently used and which cancause confusion and disorientation to the vehicle driver, according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a road with an approaching vehicle and a plurality ofsequenced lights, which can reduce the confusion to the vehicle driver,according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of an exemplary signaling device,according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of an exemplary signaling device,according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of an exemplary signaling device withoptical output only on one side and said optical output shielded fromview from the other side of the device, according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the circuitry of the sequencedvehicle light system, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates three sequenced lights configured for traffic flowvisualization, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a roadway having pairs of sequencedsignaling devices of the present invention demarcating the right andleft edges of the roadway.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a guidance system of the presentinvention for guiding pedestrian or vehicular traffic to a selectedlocation.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sequential signaling light of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram for an embodiment of a sequential signalinglight system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodimentsare to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and notrestrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated by theappended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes thatcome within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to beembraced within their scope. Throughout the detailed description andremainder of this document, the author uses the term “traffic” to referto motor vehicular, nautical, pedestrian, or aircraft movement.

FIG. 1 illustrates a road 20 with a vehicle 22 driving along the road 20into a turn. A plurality of flashing markers, including markers 30, 32,34, and 36, are distributed along side the road 20. These markers 30,32, 34, 36 can be passive with no illumination or signaling, or they canflash in unsynchronized patterns, in unison, or the like. The driver(not shown) of the vehicle 22 will see these markers and can easily beconfused, especially at night, because the contour of the road and theturn may not be clear.

FIG. 2 illustrates a road 20 with a vehicle 22 moving along the road 20into a turn. A plurality of sequenced flashing markers 202-220 isdistributed along the road 20.

Referring to FIG. 2, the lights can be placed alongside a street 20. Inthis illustration, ten lights 202-220 are distributed around a doublecorner. The first light 202 is closest to the oncoming car 22 with atenth light 220 being furthest from the oncoming car. The observer,traveling with the car 22, sees the first light 202 flash on and thenturn off. The second light 204 can flash on and then off shortly afterlight number 202. The third light 206 flashes on and off slightly afterlight 204 and so on. The observer or driver of the vehicle 22 observes apattern that guides the eye around the corner of the road 20 in a mannerthat is not confusing or subject to misinterpretation. The lights, in anembodiment, can further be shaped like arrows pointing in the desireddirection of travel. The arrows can be simple chevron shapes or they canbe arrows with pointed heads, axially linear bodies, and can evencomprise tails. In another embodiment, some lights can be arranged in agroup to form a pattern, such as an arrow, whereby all lights in a givenpattern or grouping are synchronized to turn on and off at approximatelythe same time. Thus, although different patterns can turn on and off atdifferent times, lights within the pattern can be linked electronicallyto turn on and off as a unit, or substantially simultaneously.

When a plurality, defined as a series of two or more, of flashing lights202-220 are placed on the road 20 or in the water to define a route ordetour, or on a temporary runway, sequencing of the flash of each lightwill aid the driver, pilot, or helmsman in determining the direction oftravel. The minimum number of lights 202-220 in a given system is two,while the maximum is unlimited, but practically can include ten, orseveral hundred, or several thousand, lights over the course of 0.01miles to 100 miles or more.

Each light 202-220 is controlled by a logic circuit. The first light inthe sequence 202 can flash at a rate determined by the user. The ratecan be pre-determined, pre-set, or set at the time of installation. Whenthe light flashes on, it sends a signal, either by radio wave, infraredsignal, or via hard wire to the next light in sequence, which delays apredetermined time interval before it flashes. Alternatively, the firstlight 202 can delay a given amount of time prior to sending its signalto the second light 204, and so forth. This 2nd light 204 then sends asignal via radio wave, infrared, or via hard wire to the 3rd light 206in sequence, and so on. The delay between receiving the trigger signalfrom the light lower in sequence number and the initiation of the flashis user defined, and may range from milliseconds to several minutes.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of a signaling unit 300. The signalingunit 300 comprises a base 302, a signal shell 304, a light source 310, ashield 312, a controller 318, a power supply 316, an on-off switch 308,and an electrical bus 320.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the light source 310, optical output device, orsignaling device can be incandescent, light emitting diodes, dischargetube, as in stroboscopic light, fluorescent, etc. The logic circuit orcontroller 318 can comprise an electronic circuit, further comprisingdigital, analog, or hybrid technologies. The controller 318 can befabricated of discreet components or it can be fabricated as amonolithic module or chip that performs all or most of the requiredfunctions. The logic circuit or controller 318 further comprises inputand output ports that are operably connected to the signaling device310. The inputs can include electrical power from the power supply 316,control and command input channels, on-off switching 308, and signalreceivers. The outputs can include signal transmitters and lights orother optical, audio or other sensory signaling devices.

The power supply 316 of the device can comprise one or more batteries,and can use rechargeable batteries or those that are to be discarded.The batteries or power supply 316 can be operably connected to the powerinput of each individual system. The power supply 316 can comprisephotovoltaic cells (not shown), which may be used to recharge batteries,allowing for sunlight to provide power to the device. The controller cancomprise photo detectors to provide the option of the user to have thesequencing and flashing of lights to turn on automatically at sunset,and to turn off at sunrise.

When using radio frequency to send the signal, the range is anticipatedto be less than about 100 meters, allowing the use of low-wattage outputtransmitters. The system can operate using protocols and technologiessuch as Bluetooth™, ZigBee™, or other standardized short-range protocolsin the radio frequency spectrum.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of a signaling unit 300. The signalingunit comprises the base 302, the on-off switch 308, the lamp cover 304,the second lamp 306, the first lamp 310, and the illumination shield312.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the shield 312 can be configured to prevent lightfrom the output device 310 from being seen by an observer looking at thesystem 300 from a given direction. Thus, in an embodiment, the system300 can have the option of emitting light in one direction only,providing guidance for traffic in one direction while not being visibleby, and thus not having an impact on, traffic from another direction. Inan embodiment, traffic coming from opposing directions (substantially180 degrees apart) can both see the system light 310 but traffic only inthe first direction can visualize the illuminated sequencing of thelights while the traffic from the other direction cannot see the lights310. Directionality can be maintained sufficiently to be visible fromtraffic with vectors separated by as little as 30 degrees or as much as180 degrees. Such directionality can be accomplished with baffles,shields, lenses, or the like 312. The system 300 can be incorporated ina unit that will mount onto existing traffic barriers, floating buoy, orincorporated into flexible orange (or other color) traffic cones. Thebaffles or shields 312 can have their orientation adjusted byinstallers, once the modules are in place, by rotating the baffles orshields 312 appropriately. In another embodiment, the baffles or shields312 can automatically be adjusted by detection of the orientation of theother light modules in the system. In addition, the device can beconstructed with two LEDs, 306 and 310 each facing in the oppositedirection. The device can be programmed to provide proper sequencing fordrivers approaching from opposite directions, that is, more than onesignaling device 310 can be provided. Each LED or signaling device 310can be independently linked to the proceeding and trailing light 310 insequence allowing for the progression of light 310 movement in oppositedirections simultaneously.

Further referring to FIG. 3B, different color lights or LEDs, forexample 306, 310, can be mounted inside the lamp housing 304 such thatthe sequence of lights could provide color patterns. For example, thestandard color might be yellow, with every 5^(th) light revealing redcolor, such that as the light sequence traverses a distance, every5^(th) light flashes red in progression.

FIG. 3C illustrates a signaling unit 300 when viewed from the sideshowing light being emitted from the second lamp 306 and visible onlyfrom that side of the shield 312. No light coming from lamp 310 can beseen from the direction where lamp 306 shines.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the electrical components of thecontroller 318. The controller 318 comprises a radio frequency (RF)demodulator receiver 402, an RF amplifier 404, a decoder 406, a microcontroller 408, an encoder 410, an RF transmitter 412, an LED driver414, a first LED 310, a second LED 306, and an antenna 416.

The functional diagram of FIG. 4 reveals a radio receiver 402 thatdetects a digital code modulated on a radio frequency signal. Thissignal is demodulated, and the resulting digital code is provided asinput to the decoder 406. In an exemplary embodiment, each devicetransmits this code, three times. If the code matches the appropriatesequence number of this unit on all three occasions, then themicrocontroller 408 provides a confirmation signal, which then utilizesthe LED driver 414 to turn on the first LED 310. At the same time, themicrocontroller 408 sends a signal to the encoder 410, which provides acoded digital signal to a modulator (not shown) and then to the radiotransmitter 412. This digitally encoded radio signal is now transmittedto all neighboring units. Only the unit next in sequence that matchesthis code will respond with the appropriate flash of the LED 310 mountedthereon.

The microcontroller 408 can be receiving multiple signals in rapidsuccession, and this provides the opportunity for the microcontroller408 to turn on or off two or more LEDs 310, 306 at the appropriate time.This results in the capability of having multiple simultaneousprogressive flashing sequencing for traffic moving in oppositedirections.

Each device's sequence number can be programmed using an input keyboard,an electrical transmission from an external controller, or hardwired andcontrolled by a local switch such as thumbwheel or membrane switch. Thesequence can be input through the individual module control input port.It can also be programmed from a distance using radio frequency,microwave, inductance, infrared or other electromagnetic radiation.Hence, the devices, or modules, can be deployed without regard tosequence number, and when in place, the user can simply walk along thepath and define each devices sequence number. However, the unique aspectof this invention is the use of a “mesh” network that allows for thelights to assume the proper sequence number simply by applying power inthe proper order or with proximity sensors. For example, in anembodiment, the user would simply locate a light and turn it on. Theelectronic circuitry and logic would “listen” to detect whether therewere any other lights currently on and transmitting a signal. If noother signal is received in a predetermined period of time, then thisdevice would assume identity number 1. When the 2^(nd) light is turnedon, it would listen for any other devices, and upon “hearing” number 1transmitting a signal, but no other transmitted signals, it would thensay, “I must be number 2”. When turned on, the 3^(rd) light wouldreceive (or “hear”) numbers 1 and 2, and if no other signals were heardit would then assume that “I must be number 3”, and so on. When used ina nautical setting, the buoys could be activated in order when placed inthe water. In addition, the user can define the length of flash and thedelay between reception of triggering signal and flash with input on thecontrol panel of each device. In other embodiments, an array of modulesis placed and once activated, would self-determine their order in thearray, position in the system, etc., and set the activation sequenceaccordingly.

The flashing sequence is programmable, and may reverse to produce aparticular guide or warning. Furthermore, a failure of one unit wouldnot influence performance of the entire system. Should one unit fail,the next higher number will wait a predetermined number of milliseconds,and upon failing to receive a transmission from the failed unit, willcontinue to operate without interruption. This same methodology, that isthe mesh network, provides a simple means by which a failed unit couldbe replaced. The person replacing the failed unit simply has to turn thereplacement unit on. It will listen for a predetermined length of time.If it “hears” a number 10, for example, and a number 12, but no signalis received from a number 11, then it will assume that number 11 is outof the system and simply adopt that code number.

In another embodiment, the system of lights or modules can be configuredto provide an indication of distance from the observer. The signalingsystem, of which the lights are the most visible part of each module,can comprise lights that are visibly dimmer the higher the number in thesequence to which they are assigned (or the opposite). The lights can,in another embodiment, illuminate at different visible wavelengths toprovide some indication of distance. While this methodology is not aseffective for a color-blind person, longer frequency colors such as thereds appear to be different distances from an observer than do colorsnear the cooler end of the spectrum (blue for example). Thus lights withlower sequence numbers can illuminate at different emission frequenciesthan lights, which are assigned higher numbers in the sequence. Inanother embodiment, the lights can be assigned to flash on for shorterperiods of time, the further they are from the observer (higher in thesequence chain) than lights, which are closer to the observer (lower inthe sequence chain). Thus, the lights, which are on longer will appearto be relatively brighter and thus closer to the observer. In yetanother embodiment, the lights that are closer to the observer can flashon and off a number of times during their assigned “on” cycle. Lightsfurther from the observer can be assigned to flash on and off arelatively lower number of times during their “on” cycle, thus appearingslightly dimmer or further away from the observer. Any combination ofthe aforementioned systems can be used to assist the driver or observerin determining the path in which the lights or signaling devices arearrayed, and thus the safe path that can be followed by the observer.

FIG. 5 illustrates the logic control used to create sequenced flashingof lights as illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 shows module number 202comprising the light or sensory signaling devices 306,310, thecontroller, and a shield 312. The controller for light number 202 isshown transmitting an electromagnetic signal 320 to the controller forlight number 204. There is no signal being emitted between thecontroller, or module, for light number 20 and the controller or modulefor light number 206 at this point in time. The signal from modulenumber 204 to module number 206 will be generated at a future instant intime. The shield or baffle 312 prevents viewing of the lights 306, 310from an undesired direction, thus preventing confusion on the part ofdrivers coming from an oncoming direction, for example. Both lamp 306and 310 are illuminated in module 206.

A system of signal emitting modules 300 is disclosed. The modules emitlight or other signals to warn oncoming traffic that a road or otherpathway has changed or is traversing a tortuous pathway. The modules 300are interconnected in a sequence so that they flash on and off in apattern that leads the driver or observer along a path with lessconfusion than with randomly flashing or steady lights or reflectors.The modules are self-powered and can be arrayed first and programmedfollowing deployment. The programming can be done with the describedmesh technology, an external controller, or by dialing a specific numberin each of a plurality of distributed controllers. The modules canimprove highway safety by reducing driver confusion. The modules arearrayed to prevent a driver from seeing them from an oncoming direction,or, using two independent sequencing software programs for oppositefacing LEDs, the driver coming from the opposite direction will have hisor her own guiding system.

The visual output device, which can be a light, led, or other visualemitter can be highly directional, omni-directional, orquasi-directional. Each visual output device can be set to emitelectromagnetic radiation in the visible range or a range outside thevisible spectrum. Such radiation can be in the infrared, ultraviolet,microwave, or radio frequency range. Such radiation can be configured tobe received by, and interact with, a receiver in an approaching ordeparting vehicle that can display the information on a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) display or other mapping device within thevehicle. Furthermore, each module supporting the visual output devicescan comprise a GPS receiver that can provide its position and thentransmit that position to the approaching or leaving vehicle such thatthe information may be used to locate one, a few, or all of the moduleson a GPS display or other mapping system.

In addition to a single row of sequenced signaling modules, a sequencedsignaling system of the present invention can be deployed in such a wayas to provide for two or more rows of sequenced signaling modules (e.g.,signaling sequenced lights) which demarcate opposite boundaries of alane or other intended path of travel. An example of this is shown inFIG. 6. In this example, an intended path of travel 600 has a rightboundary 600R and a left boundary 600L. It is desired to guide a vehicle602 along this path of travel 600. Pairs of signaling modules comprisingsequenced signaling lights 606R/606L, 608R/608L 610R/610L, 612R/612L,614R/614L, 616R/616L, 618R/618L, 620R/620L and 622R/622L are positionedalong the right and left boundaries 600R, 600L as shown. These sequencedpairs of signaling lights are programmed so that the lights in each pair(e.g., 606R and 606L) go on and off in unison (e.g., at substantiallythe same time) and further such that the pairs of signaling lights flashin a progressing “down-stream” sequence (i.e., 606R and 606L . . . then608R and 608L . . . then 610R and 610L . . . then 612R and 612L . . . ,etc.). Thus, the pairs emit signals in unison and in sequential orderfrom the first pair to the last pair. In this manner a pedestrian orvehicle such as a motor vehicle on a road, marine floating vehicle (boator ship), or fixed wing or rotating wing aircraft would see a left-rightpair of lights guiding them in the direction of travel. This would, ineffect, define the width of a lane or intended path of travel 600 thatthe motor vehicle or boat or aircraft might travel.

In another embodiment, the invention is useable to guide pedestrians orvehicles on one of a selected number of pre-set paths. For example, FIG.7 is a schematic illustration of a system 700 which may be used to guidea visitor to a specific room or location within a large building,campus, complex of buildings, etc. In this example, the system 700comprises a destination signal transmitting device 702 comprising aprogrammable transmitter 706, a programming device 704 useable toprogram the transmitter 706 to cause it to emit signals for a desireddestination and a plurality of arrays of sequential signaling devices718, 720, 722 positioned along possible routes 712, 714, 716. Thetransmitter 706 may comprise any suitable type of programmable signalemitting chip or apparatus, examples of which include CC2531 System on aChip (SoC) available from Texas Instruments Incorporated, Dallas, Tex.or the A253OR24AZ1 System on a Chip available from Anaren, Inc., EastSyracuse, N.Y. The transmitter 706 may be housed or incorporated intovarious types of portable housings or secondary articles, such as aclip-on visitor identification card (shown in the example of FIG. 7),dongle, card on a lanyard, clip on box or strip, etc. The programmer 504may be any suitable type of device useable to program the transmitter706 to emit signals for a desired destination on one of the possibleroutes 712, 714, 716. In the particular example shown in FIG. 7, theprogramming device 704 comprises a housing having a user interface 710such as a keyboard and a slot 704. The operator uses the user interface710 to input a desired destination 718T, 720T or 722T located on one ofthe possible routes 712, 714, 716. The destination signal transmittingdevice 702 is then inserted into slot 504 and electronics within thehousing program the transmitter 706 to emit signals that are specificfor the desired destination 718T, 720T or 722T. Commercially availableexamples of such programming electronics includes those available inconnection with the CC2531 System on a Chip (SoC) available from TexasInstruments Incorporated, Dallas, Tex. or the A253OR24AZ1 System on aChip available from Anaren, Inc., East Syracuse, N.Y. After thetransmitter 706 has been programmed for the desired destination, thevisitor then wears or carries the destination signal transmitting device702 and signals emitted from the transmitter 706 are received by, andcause sequential signals (e.g., flashes of light) to be emitted by, onlythose sequential signaling devices 718, 720 or 722 positioned along theparticular route 712, 714 or 716 that leads to the desired destination718T, 720T or 722T. In some installations, the sequential signalingdevices 718, 720 or 722 may be embedded in or adhered to the surface(s)traveled upon such as floor(s), sidewalk(s), walkway(s) and the like andmay comprise LED illuminated circuits that would read via radio or othermedia (sound, light, radio frequency) the “code” that would trigger themicrocontroller to display the proper sequence guiding the pedestrian totheir destination. In some embodiments, the signals emitted by thesequential signaling devices 718, 720 or 722 on one of the possibleroutes may be distinguishable (e.g., different colored light flashes)from those on another possible route, or the signals from the sequentialsignaling devices 718, 720 or 722 triggered by one particulartransmitter 706 may be distinguishable (e.g., different colored lightflashes) those triggered by another particular transmitter 7-6, therebypreventing confusion between routes being followed by 2 or more visitorsat the same time (e.g., one visitor might follow the yellow string,while another green, and yet another the red sequenced string of light).This system 700 may be used to direct movement of visitors or others, onfoot or in vehicles, within large structures or campuses, such ashospitals, shopping malls, military establishments (Pentagon, militarybases, etc.), universities, factories, amusement parks, zoos, etc. Powerfor the destination signal transmitting device 702 and/or sequentialsignaling devices 718, 720 and 722 may be supplied via battery, mains,or solar charging systems. External programming and control of variousparameters (software updates, light sequence pattern, etc.) of thesequential signaling devices 718, 720 and 722 could be accomplishedusing an external “dongle” or a “smart phone” software application. Theuser could download an application to “speak” to the, sending softwareupdates, timing sequences, etc.

FIG. 8 shows one of many possible embodiments of a sequential signalinglight device 1000 of the present invention. This device 100 comprises aflashing light 1002 on a housing 1004. Within the housing is electroniccircuitry, including a microprocessor, battery or other power source anda transmitter/receiver. As explained above, a plurality of thesesequential signaling light devices 1000 may be positioned in a desiredarray, one after another. The electronic circuitry 1004 both receivesand transmits necessary analog and digital information to the next lightsignaling device 1000 in sequence. The signaling devices do not have tobe numbered, nor does a user have to set each light physically in aparticular order. The design provides information inherent in thesystem, utilizing “mesh”, or matrix, technology. There is no need forany user interface, such as a switch, to designate the number of eachlight. Adjacent lights or modules can be set to recognize their positionin a sequence automatically such that the user need not physically setthe sequence of module firing. This position recognition can beaccomplished using proximity sensors, global positioning receivers, RFDdevices, and the like. The light signaling devices 1000 may beprogrammed to self-detect and adapt to the ordering of the individualsignaling devices 1000 within an array. If one device 1000 within anarray is removed or becomes non-functional, the remaining devices 1000in the array will sense that such device has been removed or is notfunctioning and will automatically re-adjust their sequentialcommunication and signal timing accordingly. Similarly, if the positionsof individual signaling devices 1000 within an array are switched orrearranged, the signaling devices 1000 in that array will self-adapt tothe switched or rearranged positioning of individual devices 1000 sothat the desires sequential (from one to the next, to the next, to thenext, etc.) is maintained. Additionally, if an additional or replacementdevice 1000 is inserted within the array, the remaining devices 1000within the array will sense signals being emitted from the new deviceand will include incorporate the new device into the array such that thenew device will emits signals in sequence along with the other devicesin the array. Also, in some situations the may be two or more arrays ofdevices positioned closely enough to one another that signals fromdevices 1000 in one array could be received by devices 1000 in anotherarray. In this regard, the electronic circuitry of the devices 1000 maybe programmed to be array-specific so that sequential communication ismaintained within each separate array without inadventent crosstalkbetween devices in neighboring or nearby arrays. Also, in at least someembodiments, the electronic circuitry of the signaling devices 1000 maybe programmed or reprogrammed to effect signaling variables (e.g.,timing of flashes, color of flashes, pattern of flashes, systemoperational hours, etc.) either by way of a user interface on eachsignaling device 1000 or from a central control/programming device,which may comprise a smartphone, laptop computer, tablet computer orother portable device. One example of software useable to program thesesignaling light devices 1000 in this manner is described in copendingUnited States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/767,937 entitledMethods and Systems for Synchronizing the Behavior of Discrete DigitalDevices, also filed on Feb. 22, 2013, the entire disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

It is to be appreciated that the invention has been described here abovewith reference to certain examples or embodiments of the invention butthat various additions, deletions, alterations and modifications may bemade to those examples and embodiments without departing from theintended spirit and scope of the invention. For example, any element orattribute of one embodiment or example may be incorporated into or usedwith any other embodiment or example, unless otherwise specified orunless doing so would render the other embodiment or example unsuitablefor its intended use. Also, where the steps of a method or process havebeen described or listed in a particular order, the order of such stepsmay be changed unless otherwise specified or unless doing so wouldrender the method or process unworkable for its intended purpose. Allreasonable additions, deletions, modifications and alterations are to beconsidered equivalents of the described examples and embodiments and areto be included within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for marking a route, path or boundary,said system comprising: a plurality of signaling modules, each modulecomprising a signaling device, a radiofrequency apparatus and a controlcircuitry; the modules being positionable in an array which marks aroute, path or boundary; said control circuitry being useable to causethe modules to alternately operate in a mode selected from at least: i)a sequential mode wherein the modules positioned in an array emitsignals in sequence from a first-positioned module of the array to alast-positioned module of the array and ii) a simultaneous mode whereinat least some of the modules in the array emit signals simultaneously;whereby the modules positioned in the array will undergo radiofrequencycommunication with one another and the control circuitry will cause thesignaling devices of the modules to emit signals in accordance with theselected mode; and wherein, when operating in sequential mode, themodules are programmed to self detect their sequential order in thearray and to self-adapt to changes in the positional order of themodules or elimination of one or more modules within the array andinsertion of one or more additional modules within the array, therebymaintaining the emitting of signals in sequence from a first-positionedmodule of the array to a last-positioned module of the array.
 2. Asystem according to claim 1 wherein the signaling devices emit visiblewarning signals.
 3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the signalingdevices emit warning signals which are not visible but which may bereceived and sensed by apparatus operative to receive and sense saidwarning signals.
 4. A system according to claim 3 further comprisingapparatus operative to receive and sense said warning signals.
 5. Asystem according to claim 1 wherein the signaling devices comprise lightemitters which emit flashes or periods of light.
 6. A system accordingto claim 1 wherein the signaling devices comprise devices selected fromthe group of: incandescent lamps; light emitting diodes; dischargetubes; stroboscopic lights; fluorescent lights; light emitters that emitvisible light; light emitters that emit light which is not visible butwhich is detectable by a sensor, infrared lights, ultraviolet lights;microwave emitters and radio frequency emitters.
 7. A system accordingto claim 1 wherein each module further comprises a power source.
 8. Asystem according to claim 7 wherein each module comprises a power sourceselected from: batteries; photovoltaic cells; wind energy; and thermalenergy.
 9. A system according to claim 1 wherein the control circuitryin the modules may be programmed or reprogrammed from a smartphone,laptop computer, tablet computer or other portable device.
 10. A systemaccording to claim 9 wherein the control circuitry comprises a meshnetwork.
 11. A system according to claim 9 wherein the control circuitrycomprises position-determining apparatus selected from: proximitysensors; global positioning receivers and RFID devices to facilitatedetermination of the respective positions of modules in the array.
 12. Asystem according to claim 9 wherein the control circuitry is operativeto determine when a module of the array becomes missing ornon-functional and to allow a replacement module to assume thatidentified module's position in the array.
 13. A system according toclaim 1 wherein the control circuitry is adapted to allow some of themodules within the array to be grouped in one or more subsets and tothereafter cause the signaling devices on the modules within each subsetto emit warning signals that are simultaneous or otherwise differentfrom warning signals emitted by other modules that are not within thatsubset.
 14. A system according to claim 1 wherein the modules areadapted to emit warning signals which can be viewed or received andsensed from one vantage point but not from another vantage point.
 15. Asystem according to claim 14 wherein the warning signals can be viewedor received and sensed by traffic traveling in a first direction but notby traffic traveling in a second direction that is substantiallyopposite the first direction.
 16. A system according to claim 14 whereinthe signal emitters emit flashes or periods of light and wherein themodules comprise baffles which cause the emitted flashes or periods oflight to be viewed or received and sensed from one vantage point but notfrom another vantage point.
 17. A method for guiding a pedestrian orvehicle to a desired destination within a geographic area, building,campus, structure or the like, said method comprising the steps of: A)obtaining or providing a system which comprises a plurality of modules,each module comprising a signaling device, a radiofrequency apparatusand control circuitry, said control circuitry being useable to cause themodules to alternately operate in a mode selected from at least: i) asequential mode wherein the modules positioned in an array emit signalsin sequence from a first-positioned module of the array to alast-positioned module of the array and ii) a simultaneous mode whereinat least some of the modules in the array emit signals simultaneously,wherein the modules are positionable in an array which marks a route,and wherein the control circuits of the modules are operative tocommunicate with one another on a particular route via theradiofrequency apparatus and to cause the signaling devices of themodules to emit guidance signals in accordance with the selected mode;B) positioning modules of the system along routes to a plurality ofpossible destinations; C) programming a transmitter for a selected oneof the possible destinations, thereby causing the transmitter totransmit control signals which selectively trigger the modules locatedon the particular route to emit sequential guidance signals to theselected destination in accordance with the selected mode; and, D)causing the transmitter to be carried by the pedestrian or vehicle sothat the pedestrian or vehicle may follow the sequential guidancesignals to the selected destination.
 18. A method according to claim 17wherein guidance signals emitted by modules on one route aredistinguishable from guidance signals emitted by modules on anotherroute.
 19. A method according to claim 17 wherein the system includes aplurality of transmitters and wherein guidance signals emitted bymodules in response to one transmitter are distinguishable from guidancesignals emitted from modules in response to another transmitter.
 20. Amethod for guiding pedestrians or vehicles along an intended path oftravel having at least first and second boundaries, said methodcomprising the steps of: obtaining a plurality of signal emittingmodules which undergo radiofrequency communication with one another andwhich include control circuitry comprising a mesh network which causesthe modules to emit signals in sequence from a first-positioned moduleof the array to a last-positioned module of the array; and positioning afirst array of signal emitting modules in sequence along a firstboundary of the intended path of travel; positioning a second array ofsignal emitting modules in sequence along a second boundary of theintended path of travel; programming the control circuitry so as to pairmodules in the first array with adjacently positioned modules in thesecond array; whereby the modules communicate among themselves via themesh network, without reference to a common master signal, to cause eachpair of modules to emit signals in unison and in sequential order fromthe first pair to the last pair.